Thursday, June 21, 2012

Pressure piles on principals to fill vacant posts


Pressure piles on principals to fill vacant posts
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·         MPs betraying Kenya
·         Cabinet reshuffle?
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Updated 2 hrs 40 mins ago
By Alex Ndegwa
President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are under pressure to make substantive appointments in the ministries of Local Government, and Internal security and Provincial Administration because of pending elections. 
Members of Parliament say the critical roles of the ministries to secure homeland security, peaceful elections, and smooth transition to devolved governments require that the holders have undivided attention and power, the lawmakers argue.
Portfolios held in acting capacity, including the Ministry of Industrialisation, which has been without a substantive minister for the last 18 month, they say, should be filled because there are competent individuals. The two principals are reportedly considering a Cabinet reshuffle following the devastating loss of Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa Ojode.
The Local Government ministerial office fell vacant on May 2, when Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi quit as minister and Orange Democratic Movement deputy leader.
The sensitivity of the positions Saitoti and Ojode held, Kenya’s military operation in Somalia, a breakaway threat at the Coast, and the need for peaceful elections are reportedly influencing the impending shake up in Government.
Kibaki this week, however, picked Defence Minister Yusuf Haji to act as Internal Security minister, but MPs argue the circumstance of war and elections require that the holder should have not have divided loyalties. It is expected the changes will see the confirmation of Francis Kimemia as Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. Mr Francis Muthaura held the position, until he stepped aside following indictment by the International Criminal Court.
Two dockets
On Wednesday, the chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee Abdikadir Mohammed said devolution was key to implementation of the Constitution, stressing the line ministry, Local Government, should have a full-time minister.
Abdikadir argued although the deadlock over the devolution laws had been unlocked, much more was pending, including setting up of institutions, structures, and systems to support the new levels of government.
“The earlier we have a substantive holder the better. On time management it is expected a minister straddling two dockets would have half the time for each,” Abdikadir said.
“In the last two weeks it had been evident that things were a little bit lax,” he added, alluding to the standoff over Bills, which prompted CIOC to intervene.
 “It would have been nice to have a substantive minister to partner with in these critical issues,” the Mandera Central MP said, referring to a conference for MPs scheduled for the weekend on the preparedness of county governments to run their affairs.
House Local Authorities Committee chairman David Ngugi said Local Government was an executive portfolio, just like that of Finance, which demanded a substantive holder.
“Devolution falls squarely on the ministry and we should not waste time with an acting minister and people who are not in charge. I call on the two principals to urgently appoint a substantive minister,” Ngugi pleaded.
Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto said while the President and PM may have been reluctant to fill the vacant positions in Internal Security so soon after the deaths of the two ministers, he advised against the “stop gap measure” exceeding two weeks.
“Some ministries like Internal Security and Local Government are too critical to be ignored. It is important that the principals make the appointments,” Ruto said.
Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng, a member of Parliament’s Administration and National Security, said the strategic docket of Internal Security required “undivided attention”.
Acting capacity
“We have challenges on devolution and internal security. The substantive appointments should be done as it is only in Kenya where such key posts are held on acting capacity,” Ochieng’ said.
“All those positions can be held by any other MP because we have the capacity. Where do the two principals expect their holders to come from if not from among MPs?” he posed.
Haji and the late Saitoti worked closely in the operation against Al Shabaab operating in Kenya and southern Somalia.
Regional Development Authorities minister Fred Gumo has been acting as Local Government Minister after Mudavadi resigned. 
Since early last year, Fisheries Development minister Amason Kingi has led Ministry of Industrialisation following the resignation of Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey over abuse of office charges. Also yet to be filled is the Public Health Assistant minister’s post after West Mugirango MP James Gesami quit in February over corruption-related charges. 
At least three Permanent Secretaries are serving on acting capacity. Mr Mutea Iringo took over from Kimemia at the Provincial Administration and Internal Security ministry.
In Education, Prof George Godia has been acting PS following the resignation of Prof James ole Kyiapi, who is seeking the presidency.
Mr Gichira Kibara is the acting PS in the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.

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